MEET THE PACK

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Professor Kyoju John Rake

I started training in Jiu-Jitsu around 1982 at the Danesmoor Dojo which was in the British Godai Association (BGA). I was invited to take my 1st Dan Black Belt in 1984 at Birdholme. I subsequently left the B.G.A to form the Northern Freestyle Association (NFA). After a short period I closed the N.F.A and founded the EMJJA in 1991.

  • 8th Dan Jiu-jitsu
  • 5th Dan Naifu Jutsu
  • 4th Dan Te bo Juts
  • 4th Dan Uwara bo Jutsu President
  • Founder member, chief instructor and consultant to EMJJA

I have lots of memories, one of which would be to see a young student of mine gain Junior Black Belt, his name was James Capstick, the son of actor and radio presenter the late Tony Capstick.

I believe I still hold the world record for smashing 100 tiles on fire at Wingerworth show in 1986. A couple of weeks later I was part of a six man team to smash 1000 tiles at Danesmoor, this I wasn’t going to take part in because my knuckles were still tender from Wingerworth. well I’m so glad I did, otherwise I wouldn’t remember my knuckles being so sore that day 21 years ago!

I have achieved Black Belt of the year and also Black Belt of the Decade, which I am very proud of.

My clubs to name most of them have been Alfreton Leisure Centre, Shirland Miners Welfare, Morton Village Hall, Danesmoor, Ripley Leisure Centre, Sappa (this I ran with Dave Bourne), Eagle Club, Y.M.C.A. and currently Huthwaite Leisure Centre. The Eagle Club I believe is our oldest and is still going strong.

The warm-up

Taken by an experienced Black Belt instructor, the objective is to get muscles warmed and working efficiently, this will prevent strains and other types of injuries that can be caused by cold joints and muscles. The warm-up will combine aerobic/cardiovascular exercise designed to get the heart-rate up, and purposely used to stretch the muscles used in Jiu Jitsu. This warm up period will normally lasts about 10 mins. You can expect a degree of sweating for the first few weeks but as you train more frequently the warm-up period becomes easier and not so exhaustive.

Break-falls (Ukemi)

After the warm up period, we start our break-fall (Ukemi) training session; this is where you learn how to fall without hurting yourself. The sessions, as with all areas of training are tailored to meet your specific needs and ability. You will only ever be asked to do something which is within your ability and skill level, we do not undertake dangerous stunts. You’ll begin your break-fall training from a kneeling position and progress at your own pace. Leaping over small tables comes much later on in your career.

Lesson Structure

During the session you will be paired with students of similar size, age and ability, and the lesson will be structured around a variety of activities including:

  • Syllabus work for gradings
  • Tournament Work – Randori / Katamawaza, random attacks, kata work
  • Self Defense Techniques
  • Weapons Training

It is quite common to train in paired groups, or also collectively where students train together if the dynamics of the class allow this. The lower grades usually train separately from the higher grades so that techniques can be performed appropriately for individual skill levels.

Okami Jiu Jitsu are proud members of the British Ju-Jitsu Association,
EMJJA and a registered association of ndcs.